The day after joining OGC Nice, Nathan Ngoumou was presented to the local and national media. Here are some of the highlights from a round of interviews that saw him discuss his determination to bounce back and his ambitions for a fresh start.

Injury, resilience and a fresh start

Nathan Ngoumou sees his arrival in Nice as a fresh start after a lengthy absence profoundly changed his relationship with football and the way he approaches his career.

"A year and a half without playing is a very long time. But it was a period in which I learnt a lot about myself, about football and about the football world. I came out of it stronger. Today, I'm determined to bounce back, both in life and in football. I want more than just to enjoy myself."

The injury also had an impact beyond the pitch. "When you're injured, it's as though a part of you has been taken away. Football is what drives our lives every day. Being able to play the football I love again now really lifts my spirits."

“This injury has changed me a lot as a person. I've become more mature. I used to be impatient; now I've learnt how to sit tight. An injury like this makes you realise that football is what you love most in the world, but that there's also life outside it. I think becoming more mature as a person will help me become a better footballer. The two go together.”

Fitness and return to competition

The forward now considers himself ready to return to action. "I'm 100% ready and can't wait to get started. I hope I can play, but the coach will decide."

To prepare for his return, he spent time at the renowned Clairefontaine training centre before continuing his preparations in the south of France. "I've prepared well physically so I can make a good start to the season."

His lengthy spell on the sidelines also led him to change his daily routine. "I have a routine now. I make myself arrive earlier than the others and prepare better. In the morning, I have to do more work because I've had a long-term injury. Today, that routine helps me maintain my fitness."

He's now feeling back to normal. "I'm good to go. I wouldn't have given the same answer three or four months ago. Today, after the preparation I've done, I feel really good. In training this morning, I was raring to go."

Choosing OGC Nice

Ngoumou's decision to join Nice was based first of all on the esteem in which he holds Le Gym. "It's a French club with a great history. It's one of the oldest clubs. OGC Nice means something in France."

His discussions with the club then clinched the deal. "I had the chance to speak to the coach and the club's management, who explained the playing philosophy to me. I bought into it straight away and decided to come here."

Ngoumou was already familiar with several aspects of the club. "I remember the Stade du Ray and then the Allianz Riviera. I have memories of Ben Arfa and Balotelli, but also of my former team-mate Alassane Pléa, who spoke very highly of the club."

Sofiane Diop also contributed to that positive impression. “I was able to speak to Sofiane before coming here. He spoke very highly of the club and I think that made my decision easier.”

Profile and role in the playing system

Ngoumou is clear about what he wants to bring to the team. "My natural qualities are my pace and ability to run at players. I'm very quick and I can pose a threat in the opposition half."

"I'm an explosive player who is very quick, likes one-on-ones, making runs in behind, taking players on and causing problems for the opposition."

His profile fits the system adhered to by the coach. "We talked about tactics. Given my qualities, the coach explained what I could bring to the team, and I think he knew how to convince me."

"His system is a 3-4-3. He explained where I could play and make an impact. But I have the qualities to play anywhere across the attack. I can play on the right or the left, but in the 3-4-3 it will be more behind the striker."

 

The Bundesliga experience and returning to Ligue 1

His four years in Germany were an important stage in his career. "Those four years had their ups and downs, particularly with this serious injury. But I've come out of them stronger and much more mature."

He also experienced a different football culture. "The Germans are very disciplined and very pragmatic. The Bundesliga is a very direct league."

The experience helped him develop his game. "Because I was so quick, I sometimes didn't prepare my runs properly and would set off from a standing start. I learnt to sense the right moment and create chances for myself more effectively. I improved a lot in that area in Germany."

He sees a clear difference between the two leagues: "The Bundesliga is based on a lot of intensity. Ligue 1 is perhaps more physical and more tactical. I think I can bring the intensity I had in the Bundesliga to Ligue 1."

But his main priority is clear. "More than anything, I can't wait to get back on the pitch. I don't have any apprehension. I'm confident in my abilities and I know what I can bring to Ligue 1."

The need to return to France and his arrival in Nice

After four seasons in Germany, returning to France also met a personal need. "I needed to come back to France to recharge. Being back in a French dressing room, being able to joke around and share more with the others, is important."

The surroundings in Nice are also part of this fresh start. "The Côte d'Azur is magnificent. Even the Germans I knew were familiar with it. It's a region that a lot of people dream about."

Ngoumou sums up his feelings emphatically: "I'm really happy to be here. I think it's the best place to play football. I needed this."

He has also been reunited with several familiar faces: “I already knew some of the players I'd played with for France at youth level, particularly Sofiane Diop and Melvin Bard.”

Personal and collective ambitions

His ambitions are clear. "When you're a footballer, you want to play every game, score goals, provide assists and win matches. That's the ambition I've come here with."

The priority, however, is to get consistent game time. "My first objective is to play, put together a run of matches and perform well. Then, as an attacking player, you inevitably set yourself targets in terms of goals and assists."

His personal story echoes that of Le Gym, who are also looking to bounce back after a difficult season. “What struck me most when I arrived was the desire to put last season behind us and start performing again. I'm also determined to bounce back and I want to perform. Those are two things that unite us: that's what the club is aiming for and it's what I'm aiming for too.”

The Nice fans

Le Gym's new number 29 is already aware of the reputation of the club's supporters. "I know they're fans who follow the club very closely, who are always behind the team and who have a very special place in the life of the city."

After experiencing German crowds, he is eager to fully experience the Allianz Riviera. "I can't wait to play in front of the Nice fans. I know they're southern fans, with a lot of passion."

His style of play could also create a natural connection with the supporters. “I can't wait to have the Nice fans behind me, because I know my game can get the crowd on their feet.”

Cameroon and the national team

The Cameroon national team is another objective as Ngoumou makes this fresh start. "Last season, I missed AFCON because of my injury. It's the biggest competition in Africa and of course I want to represent my country, Cameroon, and achieve something there."

"Today, it's a fresh start. Being able to play for your country again is a source of immense pride. I can't wait for that."

But Ngoumou isn't about to put the cart before the horse: “It starts with my performances for my club. I have to perform well for Nice to earn back my place in the national team.”

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